What is the Protect OK App?

OKLAHOMA, Okla. (KNWA/KFTA) — Oklahoma School Security Institute (OSSI) along with the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (ODPS) recently introduced a new safety app that consolidates all suspicious activity reporting into one platform.

According to the website, the Protect OK app allows users to report suspicious activity without giving a name, making anonymous reporting easy.

This is an effort from OSSI to prevent the duplication of efforts and resources as there are multiple threatening social media posts and warnings circulating throughout school districts across Oklahoma.

OSSI is asking all schools, students, parents, and law enforcement to notify it of threats via the ProtectOK app or the OSSI tipline, (405) 425-7299.

According to a press release from the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (ODPS), OSSI has been working with the Oklahoma Counter Terrorism Intelligence Center (OCTIC) examining all threats and sharing information with local, state, and federal partners to monitor and investigate all leads and information received.

Additionally, the release states that OCTIC, along with other fusion centers nationwide, document reported threats through a national clearinghouse. Many of the threats this week originated outside of Oklahoma and are just now circulating in Oklahoma and impacting the schools. Although these threats were deemed not credible, it remains as important as ever for the public to report suspicious activity, threats, or tips through the ProtectOK app.

According to the release, the safety and security of the children at school is a top priority for OSSI, OCTIC, and all of Oklahoma's law enforcement agencies. OSSI said it takes all threats seriously and promotes a zero-tolerance approach when dealing with threats to schools. OSSI encourages the public to call 911 if there is an immediate danger.